A vivacious account.
Karen Cass gives a splendid narration of this dual biography, which wonderfully evokes Paris in the years between the two world wars. Braude, an independent scholar, uses the last public execution by guillotine in France to tell the stories of Eugen Weidmann, the German serial killer who was executed, and Janet Flanner, the New Yorker writer who took an interest in his case. Cass is perfectly expressive, enunciating clearly and moving along the narrative at the right pace. Cass’s British accent is lively, and she effects believable non-English accents when appropriate. The twists and turns of the real-life story can sometimes seem a bit disjointed but overall, the audiobook is fascinating.
A vivacious account.Pub Date: Jan. 20, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668653807
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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